"As summer fades into the background each year, the world around us becomes aglow with a vibrant pallet of rich, cozy hues; there’s no season that begs us to prioritize color more than fall. Along with a complete switch to a fall state of mind, September 1 gives the signal to leave crisp whites at August’s doorstep and stepping into bolder, fresher, moodier tones.
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Beyond the expected—cream, gray, a shade of orange here and there—fall fashion also has a way of throwing unexpected curveballs. (2021’s surge of powder blue immediately comes to mind.) While there’s nothing wrong with sticking to the classics, it’s also fun to keep an eye on color trends as a means to stave off monotony and embrace outfitting for a new season with a bit more excitement.
While I’ll personally never tire of autumnal oranges and browns, I recognize I’m not in the majority. Whether the end of summer has you feeling a bit tired of bright, clean hues or you’re simply excited to dress for a new season, these are the eight colors you can expect to see everywhere this fall.
Sage and Olive Green
I’m personally so excited to see shades of green trending this autumn. Dark, muted tones such as sage and olive possess a versatility that make them feel natural year-round. Earthy and tranquilizing, the hues also feel grounding during the fall—a time of year known for being equal parts cozy and active. The color compliments just about any shade you pair it with and has a way of adding visual interest without detracting from your entire look.
Burgundy
This moody shade first started gaining recent popularity in the spring and the fervor shows no signs of dwindling out. Reminiscent of rich, dry wine and fallen maple leaves, it’s no wonder the color has persisted and is being served up as a fall 2024 must-wear. Whether it’s a staple solid-colored sweater, a patterned jacket, or a vibrant and unexpected shoe, this robust shade easily integrates across all aspects of everyday outfits.
Sienna
Ginger, caramel, paprika, tomato cream, pumpkin spice—this warm brown shade may go by many names, but it’s one we all immediately recognize and many of us turn to when September rolls around. Classic fall in aesthetic, sienna is making itself known as a trending autumnal shade this season. From beautiful knits to staple footwear, this color can be easily shopped across categories and is sure to live on past 2024 as a fall color we’ll turn to time and time again.
Red
When the leaves are fiery, it feels only natural that your wardrobe is, too. Go When-Harry-Met-Sally style with a vibrant red sweater or pepper the bright hue throughout your looks with red shoes and accessories.
Plum
One color that caught onlookers attention at New York Fashion Week this year was dark purple. In its Fashion Color Trend Report Autumn/Winter 2024/2025 for New York Fashion Week, Pantone describes the identified Italian Plum shade as “a deep dark purple full of magical energies.” Moody, mysterious, and boasting an epic Pantone description to boot, the color feels immensely appropriate for wearing on peak-fall October evenings.
Light Blue
Similar to aforementioned years past, light blue is yet again a trending “it” color for fall. Freshen up your autumn looks with a cloudy-day-colored dress or a pair of blue shoes that is sure to add contrast and take passersby by (pleasant) surprise. Light wash denim—whether it be in the form of classic jeans, skirt, dress, or top—also fit the bill.
Cream
When I think of fall fashion, a cozy cable knit sweater in classic cream is the first item that immediately comes to mind. If you can relate, then you know there is something that just feels so right about wearing cream when the leaves begin to turn. I love the way it effortlessly compliments variations of plaid and tartan (both classically autumnal) and how the off-white shade can brighten fall looks that are predominantly composed of browns and grays.
Gold
With butter yellow taking the mainstage this past spring and summer, it’s no surprise to see a darker variation of the hue coming on the scene this fall. Lean into the warm metallic across the outfitting spectrum, from timeless jewelry to eye-catching clothing. While seasonally appropriate in the fall (the color gold personally reminds me of warm, autumn afternoons), any and all pieces picked up in this shade are also sure to stylishly carry through the holiday season.
